Facebook must delete hate postings, Austria court rules

A court in Austria has ordered that Facebook must remove postings seen as hate speech, in a ruling that is set to have international implications. A Green lawmaker, Dieter Brosz, said Facebook could no longer claim it was just a platform and needed to take responsibility for tackling hate postings. Internet giants including Facebook, Twitter and Google have all come under fire in many countries for failing to remove hate speech from their platforms promptly. Last month, German ministers approved plans to fine social media firms up to 50m euros if they fail to remove hate speech and fake news quickly. Facebook said it would hire 3,000 people to help stop hate speech, child abuse and self-harm being broadcast on the website.